CAYCE, S.C. (Jan. 17, 2024) – Dominion Energy is providing simple solutions to help customers manage their energy usage and bills this winter as temperatures drop. Gerald Freeman, program manager for Dominion Energy South Carolina, emphasizes the importance of monitoring energy use to reduce monthly bills. He states, "By monitoring your use of energy, not only can you see a difference in your energy consumption, you can also help reduce your monthly bill."
For customers with smart meter technology, Dominion Energy offers the convenience of monitoring daily energy usage and costs through their online accounts. In addition, customers can set usage alerts for real-time tracking of energy consumption. Freeman advises customers to set alerts for notifications when their bill exceeds a specific amount or for updates on usage during the billing cycle.
Customers without smart meters can still review their monthly energy use online and with the Dominion Energy app. Information on timelines for smart meter installation in various areas can be found on the Dominion Energy website.
To conserve energy this winter, Dominion Energy recommends the following tips:
1. Adjust your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower when temperatures drop. Setting it even lower while away from home can significantly reduce heating-related costs.
2. If you have a heat pump, raise the temperature 1-2 degrees at a time to avoid activating auxiliary heat unnecessarily. It is crucial to avoid accidentally setting the thermostat to emergency heat.
3. Check air filters monthly and change them when dirty. Additionally, inspect ductwork for leaks and tears.
4. Adjust drapes and blinds according to the time of day. This will maximize the sun's natural warmth during the day and help keep the cold out at night.
5. Caulk, seal, and weather strip all seams, cracks, and openings, especially around exterior doors and windows. Replace old weather stripping as well.
For customers with exterior mounted tankless water heaters, Dominion Energy recommends taking specific precautions for extreme cold. These include:
- Wrapping pipes connected to tankless water heaters in foam insulation for protection.
- Considering running a trickle of hot water from a faucet until temperatures warm up.
- Ensuring that the water heater has built-in freeze protection, especially if it is installed outside.
Dominion Energy is dedicated to assisting customers in finding payment plans and financial assistance that suit their circumstances. Various options are available 24/7 through DominionEnergySC.com/assistance or the Dominion Energy app.
Dominion Energy, headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, serves approximately 7 million customers in 15 states. The company is committed to providing reliable, affordable, and increasingly clean energy every day. Dominion Energy aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. For more information, please visit DominionEnergy.com.